0
Saveophelia Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

By the water, near the water, on the water...

Just watched the TV show "Waterfront House Hunting", and in its opening billboard, the host said the phrase, "whether you're looking for a house by the water, near the water, or on the water..."

My question is: What's the difference? Couldn't a house "on the water" also be a house "near the water" or "by the water"? Is there a specific distance attached to these phrases? Please let me know. Thank you! Hope you have a great New Year!
  

Top answer

saveophelia by the water, At the water's edge; on the beach. saveophelia near the water In the vicinity; perhaps within 200 or 300 meters of the water. saveophelia on the water.

— Mister Micawber

  • saveophelia by the water, At the water's edge; on the beach.
  • saveophelia near the water In the vicinity; perhaps within 200 or 300 meters of the water.
  • saveophelia on the water.
  • A houseboat.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
saveophelia by the water,
At the water's edge; on the beach.
saveophelianear the water
In the vicinity; perhaps within 200 or 300 meters of the water.
saveopheliaon the water.
A houseboat.
0
0
Thank you so much for making this a bit clearer.

I have a follow-up question, though:

I've heard people refer to a "lake house" (not a houseboat) as a cabin "on the lake". Does that work?

Again, thank you!
0

Related Questions